AI at work: Heidelberg Materials accelerates global rollout of autonomous heavy mobile equipment
Heidelberg Materials will expand autonomous heavy equipment use to six sites across North America, Australia, and Europe by 2026, deploying around 30 vehicles as part of a broader plan to introduce over 100 by 2028.
Heidelberg Materials is expanding its autonomous haulage system (AHS) from a single site to six locations across three continents, marking a shift from pilot projects to broader deployment. The initiative will introduce approximately 30 autonomous vehicles in 2026, building on the existing system at the Lake Bridgeport quarry in Texas. Sites in Indiana and Texas will join the North American expansion, while Australia will see its first AHS projects at quarries in New South Wales and Western Australia. In Europe, a trial of an autonomous wheel loader will begin at a sand and gravel pit in Northern Germany, demonstrating the technology’s adaptability across different operations.
The autonomous systems integrate with existing fleets using advanced sensors, cameras, and AI to operate haul trucks and other equipment in dynamic environments. Designed for scalability, the technology aims to modernize heavy mobile equipment while improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. Heidelberg Materials emphasizes a disciplined, results-driven approach to scaling the technology globally, leveraging partnerships with established technology providers. The expansion aligns with the company’s technical excellence agenda, prioritizing automation and AI to enhance process performance.
Heidelberg Materials has outlined plans to deploy more than 100 autonomous vehicles by the end of 2028, reflecting a long-term commitment to automation across its operations. The current rollout follows the successful deployment of AHS at the Lake Bridgeport quarry, which serves as a reference for future projects. The company’s global autonomous deployment team is coordinating the expansion, ensuring consistency and integration with existing workflows. Safety and operational performance are key focus areas, with autonomous systems expected to reduce human exposure to hazardous environments.
Axel Conrads, Chief Technical Officer and Member of the Managing Board, highlighted automation and AI as critical to the company’s technical strategy. He noted the importance of disciplined scaling and collaboration with technology partners to achieve measurable improvements. The expansion of autonomous equipment is part of a broader modernization effort aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability in heavy industry operations. Heidelberg Materials’ phased approach ensures gradual adoption while maintaining operational stability during the transition.